PANJIM: The Goa Chief Minister’s Apprenticeship Scheme 2023 (GCMAS) has failed to garner response the government had expected. Despite 9,000 apprenticeship opportunities available in various government departments, only 2,300 vacancies have been filled till date. The Home Department currently has 1,850 vacancies, while PWD has 966 vacancies.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant chaired a meeting with heads of departments (HoDs) and the nodal officers from various sectors at the Secretariat, Porvorim on Thursday. The meeting discussed the apprenticeship training scheme and the government’s commitment for fostering a skilled workforce and promoting professional growth.
Sawant said that Data Analytical Cell has been established under the Finance Department, which is geared towards efficiently capturing and utilising data. In the first phase, 10 selected departments will provide data, resulting in an expected increase of 10-15 per cent in revenue through the effective utilisation of analytical insights.
The Chief Minister emphasised on the importance of the one-year apprenticeship opportunity in nurturing a robust workforce and fostering a vibrant work culture. He assured timely Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) payments which reflects the government’s commitment to providing fair remuneration for their efforts. The quarterly and monthly progress reports to the Directorate of Skill Development will ensure accountability and sustained growth, he said.
During the course of discussions, Sawant reviewed the existing apprenticeship programme, with HoDs to understand the challenges they face in the recruitment process. This interactive session provided valuable insights into refining the scheme for maximum effectiveness.
“Apprenticeship job holders would enjoy leave entitlements, including 12 days casual leave and 15 days medical leave, providing a supportive and balanced work environment,” Sawant said.
The meeting was attended by Secretary (Tribal Welfare) Sarpreet Singh Gill, IAS; Secretary (Skill Development) Prasad Lolayekar, IAS and Inspector General of Police (IGP) Omvir Singh Bishnoi, IPS.
